Definitions
1.prepositionIn a contrary direction to."It is hard work to swim against the current."
2.prepositionIn physical opposition to; in collision with."The rain pounds against the window."
3.prepositionIn physical contact with, so as to abut or be supported by."The kennel was put against the back wall."
4.prepositionClose to, alongside."A row of trees stood against a fence."
5.prepositionIn front of; before (a background)."The giant was silhouetted against the door."
6.prepositionIn contrast or comparison with."He stands out against his classmates."
7.prepositionIn competition with, versus."The Tigers will play against the Bears this weekend."
8.prepositionContrary to; in conflict with."Doing this is against my principles."
9.prepositionIn opposition to."Are you against freedom of choice?"
10.prepositionOf betting odds, denoting a worse-than-even chance."That horse is fifty-to-one against, so it has virtually no chance of winning."
11.prepositionIn exchange for."The vouchers are redeemable against West End shows and theatre breaks."
12.prepositionAs counterbalance to.
13.prepositionAs a charge on."Tax is levied against income from sales."
14.prepositionAs protection from."He turned the umbrella against the wind."
15.prepositionIn anticipation of; in preparation for (a particular time, event etc.)."The stores are kept well stocked against a time of need."
16.preposition(Hollywood) To be paid now in contrast to the following amount to be paid later under specified circumstances, usually that a movie is made or has started filming."The studio weren't sure the movie would ever get made, so they only paid $50,000 against $200,000. That way they wouldn't be out very much if filming never began."
17.prepositionExposed to.
18.conjunctionBy the time that (something happened); before.